Finally, we have the factory specs on the Pentax K-7, and the teasing is over. Keep in mind these are factory specifications, but Pentax has been known to change things slightly before the camera’s actually hit the sales floor, usually for the better. We are seeing that most of the rumors are true however, including the much hoped for 100 percent viewfinder.
Some of the more exciting specifications include the previously mentioned 100 percent viewfinder, a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, the new “DRII” system which is intended to detect dust and warn the user if the sensor has become dirty, before it effects image quality. This feature hasn’t shown up in Nikon or Canon yet, but perhaps it might in the future.
Here’s some quick and dirty statistics:
- 14 megapixel
- ISO 100-3200 (with a rumored 6400 available later)
- 5.2 FPS until the buffer is full at 40 frames
- A motion picture mode (which seems all the rage currently) at 1280 x 720 mode, which translates to 16:9 HD.
While I’m sure the Nikon and Canon purists won’t give it another glance, this new Pentax is shaping up to be a major competitor in the DSLR market. It really all depends on the price point once we see them in the wild.
[via RiceHigh]
Looks good, but why would someone buy a Pentax over a Canon, Nikon or Olympus?? If it had 1080p, 24fps, video autofocus – then I might start to consider it. But without I will have to pass.
Th 5D Mark II is the only camera that is made for serious use. The Panasonic GH1 is close, but too small. The Nikon D90 and Ti1 are lacking.
Jason,
I’d buy a Pentax because of legacy lenses, which will save me some money. Furthermore, the autofocus and shake reduction will work with these lenses. That alone puts Pentax in contention, but only if I think the product stacks up. I’d also like my next camera to be under $1000, relatively compact, and weather-sealed. Hmmm, Pentax is looking to be a real contender now, albeit not the only contender.
I don’t really care about the video, if I want to shoot more than casual video, I’ll get a camcorder and not compromise. My next camera will be a dSLR, and will only have video if I have to get it to get the other features that I want.
Trying to start a flame war with the 5D Mk II comment? Pat yourself on the back. Firstly, that camera is in an entirely different class than the others you mention (GH1, D90, Ti1) as well as the K7 (presumably)…and in an entirely different price class as well — body only is $2700 on a popular camera site. Seems extremely overpriced to me…but I wouldn’t be earning a living with it, so that’s a personal observation. I’d have to drop at least another $1000-$2000 on lenses immediately. The numbers are starting to boggle my mind….I might as well buy a Hasselblad so that I can sneer properly at all around me.
I’ll turn your question around; why would any non-professional moderate enthusiast photographer buy the 5D Mk II over a Pentax K-7, Nikon D90, Panasonic GH1, or Canon Ti1 — or fill in your favorite sub-$1000 dSLR? I’d rather have one of these other excellent cameras and blow the remaining $1500 on other fun stuff — like the 4TB RAID system to store all these photos with integrated backup.
It has 720p@30 with AF… And 1536×1024@30 (3:2 ratio) as a bonus… With external mic jack as well… I would say that it’s pretty good for a DSLR. Hopefully they allow more control over parameters than you have in 5D Mk.II.
Why buy the Pentax over Canon or Nikon?
In-body image stabilization that work with all lenses, even old MFs.
Range of extremely low-profile ‘pancake’ lenses.
Backward compatibility with over 50 years of lenses.
Weatherproofing.
It never ceases to amaze me the success that the marketing folks at Canon and Nikon have had in convincing buyers that it is the camera that makes the great photo. No one asked Michelanglo the brand of chisel and hammer he used or Rembrandt the type of paint brushes he preferred to make those masterpieces. Even Ansel Adams was asked his technique, his preparation, his thoughtfulness in his choices of content, his dark room procedures, etc. Never his frames per second, number of auto-exposure points, or type of auto-focus in his camera.
That is why the Pentax K-1000 camera out sold every other 35mm camera ever made…it was the required camera in many, many elementary photography classes taught for decades. The one operating the camera had to make the photograph worthwhile, not some witless camera decision based on typical photo content.
Yes, many advanced features make for special photos that advanced photographers use to advantage but remember that the next time you see a $2,000.00 camera in the hands of someone with all the switches and buttons turned to “green” or automatic. AND THEN THEY BRAG ABOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD SOME CAMERA WHICH FINALLY TOOK A FAIRLY GOOD PHOTOGRAPH WHILE IN THEIR HANDS.
I can even argue this with myself. I am sure Michelanglo and Rembrandt had favorites among their tools
Reading through some very old copies of “Popular Artists and Artisans” I saw where Michelanglo said he would have never finished the “Pieta” on the tight completion schedule if he hadn’t use his “Craftsman” hammer and chisel. The shock absorbing fiberglass handle and gel grip allowed him to work longer hours without suffering tendonitis. And the chisels held their sharpness longer, too. Of course, there is always a Sears nearby for replacement as needed, too.
Rembrandt also admitted to using only “Ican Brushes and Paints” for his best selling works. Remember their motto: “If ICAN do it, you can, too.”
I just wonder if they got their tools free for always listing the equipment used on the backs of their works.
I use an Olympus E-500 for portability and Sony A900 for quality. I am planning to get the K7 now, because it will fit right in between. I only wish Sony left Minolta name on their products, but you can’t have everythng. Pentax is a great brand to me, as rich in culture and following as Leica. No Canon or Nikon camera for me, sorry. I am tired of pumping my hard earned money to large corporations who are already rich.